Gujarat 171 for 2 (Panchal 68*, Parthiv 42) beat Delhi 170 for 5 (Chand 103) by eight wickets
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File photo: Unmukt Chand’s third T20 century was not enough to secure victory © BCCI
Unmukt Chand became only the third Indian batsman to score three T20 centuries, but his effort went in vain as defending champions Gujarat wrapped up an eight-wicket victory at the Bandra-Kurla Complex ground in Mumbai. The loss brought Delhi’s five-match winning streak in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to an end.
Gujarat to gun down a target of 171, but they had enough inspiration to draw from. It was less than a month ago that they trounced Delhi to claim their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy and their captain Parthiv Patel led from the front today, just as he did in December.
Parthiv was involved in a 78-run opening partnership with Priyank Krit Panchal, which put Gujarat in pole position, and though he pulled into the hands of Delhi counterpart Gautam Gambhir at short midwicket on 42, Panchal held firm and hit the winning runs during his 68 off 44 balls.
Panchal’s innings featured eight fours and a six as the Delhi bowlers kept giving him width. The batsman had no qualms taking advantage of the hospitality and in doing so left Chand with a bitter-sweet memories. His 103 off 58 balls had led Delhi past the early wicket of Gambhir and provided a formidable total to defend. But Gujarat chased it down with eight wickets and more than two overs to spare.
Nagraj Gollapudi is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo